The Red Wings are taken for granted in this town, though few would admit to such conceit. But every question regarding their competitive future over the last 10 years resulted in the same pat response.

"They're the Wings. Why worry? They'll be fine."

What about the reality that they're three years removed from their last appearance in the Western Conference finals?

"They're the Wings. Why worry? They'll be fine."

What about the very real possibility that they might not make the playoffs this spring, snapping an amazing streak of 21 consecutive postseasons?

"They're the Wings. Why worry? They'll be fine."

But if there's one certainty about the impending abbreviated NHL season, it's that there's nothing certain about the Wings. It's good for all involved -- management, players, fans and media -- that this 48-game sprint to the Stanley Cup playoffs shakes away the complacency. The worst thing for the Wings as the players return to Detroit from all over the world for a truncated